TRUST - Good relations in Finland

 

TRUST – Good relations in Finland project strives to promote a model of good relations between population groups by implementing it among such target groups as central government authorities, local councillors, local government employees and third sector actors.

The project is based on the good relations measurement framework developed in the United Kingdom. The framework consists of four key areas: attitudes, personal security, interaction with others, and participation and influence. These areas can be used to both measure and influence the status of relations between groups. 

The Trust project was launched in 2016. In the first phase, the activities were focused on reception centres’ operating environment in seven pilot locations. Project staff visited these locations, provided training and information and led discussions on the importance of good relations for peaceful coexistence and conflict prevention.

The second phase of the project consisted of promoting the good relations model among different stakeholders. An effort is being made to simplify the model by creating tools for the work on good relations and by clarifying the message about good relations. While the model is suitable for working with all population groups, the emphasis in the Trust project has been on factors that affect immigrant integration.

The Trust project follows on the EU-funded Good Relations project, which introduced the good relations model to Finland. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Justice, and its main funding comes from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The Trust project will continue to develop the model until the end of 2018.